The Critical Archives Reading Group is a group of archivists, data stewards, digital preservation specialists and research data managers who meet regularly to discuss select readings, podcasts or conference presentations about archives. The group was formed by archivists working at the University of Melbourne but is open to everyone.
We are a group of memory workers interested in the nexus between academic and practitioner work in archives, and how they influence each other (or could influence each other). Our readings are framed within postcolonialism, critical race studies, feminism, queer theory and deconstructionism, and themes of social justice and equity.
At our meetings we discuss an article/s, conference presentation, podcast or output in any media that is relevant to archival studies. We take turns to select readings and facilitate meetings on a voluntary basis. The role of host or facilitator generally involves introducing the reading and sharing their thoughts and/or preparing some questions to get the conversation going.
We meet every 6-8 weeks for one hour on a rotating Monday/Wednesday/Friday at 1:00pm AEST/AEDT. We started as a Melbourne-based group and still have many members in Melbourne, but anyone is welcome to join us via zoom.
Some of our members like to view the reading list, others to participate in reading group discussions. If you would like to receive notifications about future meetings and readings, you can subscribe to this blog.
On occasion, we have special guest facilitators, or combine with other reading groups to have a joint discussion session. Sometimes this means the meeting time changes.
We spend about 5 minutes in each session reflecting on what our upcoming readings will be, and who will chair. Members can also make suggestions via the Zotero list at any time.
When we were first putting together a list of readings, we also consulted other critical archives groups including: